Bandung to host MTV EXIT concert

Music channel MTV will organize a free concert at Gasibu Square in Bandung, West Java, on Sept. 1 in an attempt to raise public awareness on human trafficking issues.

The MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) concert will feature Australian indie-rock band Expatriate, who has performed in several EXIT concerts in other countries, and popular Indonesian bands including Pas Band, Bondan Prakoso and Fade 2 Black, the Changcuter and D’Masiv.

According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Jakarta on Saturday, the Indonesian government’s anti-trafficking task force, donor foundations USAID and AusAID, social movement Walk Free and ASEAN also supported the event. The concert will be aired on television by Global TV.

Music lovers eager to see the event live can book their free tickets online at www.mtvexit.org.

The embassy’s statement said that the concert was aimed at raising the awareness on human trafficking — a global crime that has affected 2.5 million people worldwide.

MTV EXIT's 2010 tour in Indonesia, featuring Indonesia pop star Agnes Monica, drew 170,000 people in attendance.

This year, actress Dian Sastrowardoyo will take part in the event. Dian, who has been appointed as the MTV EXIT Celebrity Ambassador to Indonesia, narrated the half-hour documentary film about human trafficking Enslaved: An MTV Exit Special. (yps/lfr)